Open research Africa最新文献

{"title":"Potentiation of the antimycobacterial activity of bedaquiline, clofazimine, and doxycycline against <i>Mycobacterium smegmatis</i> by several natural product-based compounds is putatively via efflux inhibition.","authors":"Robi Chacha, Caroline Maina, Edwin Murungi, Eric Guantai, Mathew P Ngugi, Ephantus Ndirangu, James Mugo, Sospeter Ngoci Njeru, Elizabeth Kigondu","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.16071.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.16071.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> ( <i>Mtb</i>), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is the leading cause of death due to a single infectious pathogen globally. The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant <i>Mtb</i> strains underscores the pressing need for the development of new antimycobacterial drugs with novel mechanisms of action. Targeting pathogen drug efflux, a key antimycobacterial drug resistance mechanism, is an attractive, viable strategy for the development of new TB therapeutics. Methods In this study, we utilised <i>Mycobacterium smegmatis</i> ( <i>Msm</i>), a non-pathogenic <i>Mtb</i> surrogate, to delineate the ability of natural-product based compounds to augment the efficacy of bedaquiline (BDQ), clofazimine (CFZ) and doxycycline (DOX), probably via efflux inhibition (EI). Literature reporting the plant sources of the known efflux inhibitors (EIs) reserpine (RES), berberine (BER) and piperine (PIP) was scoped and additional compounds, (+)-lyoniresinol-3-Alpha-O-Beta-D-glucopyranoside (LYO-3) and lyoniresinol (LYO), isolated from the same plant species were chosen for testing. <i>In vitro</i> screening of the selected compounds was performed using the two-dimensional (2-D) checkerboard assay in which each likely efflux disruptor was tested in combination with BDQ, CFZ and DOX against <i>Msm</i> and the effect of the combinations ascertained. Thereafter, compounds that exhibited probable EI activity were docked onto potential targets namely MSMEG_5187, a <i>Msm</i> homologue of <i>Mtb</i> Rv1258c efflux pump (EP) and MmpL5. Results Molecular docking revealed that the EIs avidly bound to the EPs with docking scores of <-7 kcal/mol while the checkerboard combination assays demonstrated strong synergistic interactions for BDQ plus BER, LYO-3 and LYO. Conclusion These results point to a probable disruption of the <i>Msm</i> efflux system by <i>Berberis species</i> derivatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"8 ","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13077286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147693998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional composition of <i>Zea mays L</i>: A comprehensive Review of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Bioactive Compounds.","authors":"Sandra Etumah Ifie, Reuben Samson Dangana, Dominic Swase, Michael Ben Okon, Wusa Makena, Mary Olaoluwa Agunloye, Chinyere Nneoma Ugwu, Josiah Eseoghene Ifie, Saidi Odoma, Abubaka Ibrahim Babangida, Patrick Maduabuchi Aja","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.16056.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.16056.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maize ( <i>Zea mays L.</i>) is a significant cereal crop, which, due to its nutritious content, especially in terms of dietary energy and nutrients, is globally important. Its nutritive status does not just end with macronutrients, but it also encompasses nutrient status that promotes health-giving micronutrients and phytochemicals.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review aims to consolidate recent advancements in maize nutrient profiling and highlight current challenges in optimizing its nutritional potential across global food systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024 in English. Search terms included \"Zea mays nutrition,\" \"maize macronutrients,\" \"maize micronutrient biofortification,\" and \"phytochemicals in maize\". Studies included both empirical and review papers reporting on maize nutritional quality, bioavailability, and impacts on human health.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Maize is composed primarily of carbohydrates, with starch as the dominant fraction, alongside moderate protein and low lipid content concentrated in the germ. Biofortified varieties, including Quality Protein Maize (QPM), provide enhanced levels of lysine, tryptophan, and provitamin A. Maize also supplies essential B vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium; however, their bioavailability is reduced by antinutrients like phytates. In addition, maize is shown to be rich in phytochemicals, including ferulic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which exhibit antioxidant and therapeutic properties.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Maize is more than a staple food crop; it is an indispensable crop for global food and nutrition security. However, challenges such as low bioavailability due to antinutritional factors limit its full nutritional potential. Therefore, strengthening genetic and agronomic interventions to improve its nutritional quality is essential to address hidden hunger and enhance population health worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"8 ","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13000404/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147500887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Organizational Structure, Performance Monitoring, and Academic Staff Performance in Selected Private Chartered Universities: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Turyamureeba Silaji, Zulaihatu Lawal Bagiwa, Tukur Muhammad","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.15891.4","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.15891.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This qualitative study investigates how organizational structure and performance monitoring influence academic staff performance in selected private chartered universities in Western Uganda. Using a phenomenological design, the study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of 10 academic leaders, including deans and senior lecturers, across various faculties. Participants were purposively selected for their strategic roles in academic administration, with qualifications ranging from Master's degrees to PhDs in fields such as Education Management, Science Education, and Clinical Medicine. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that highly centralized structures, lack of autonomy, and inconsistent monitoring mechanisms contribute to diminished staff morale and reduced teaching effectiveness. However, faculties led by deans with advanced academic qualifications and more inclusive leadership approaches demonstrated stronger performance cultures, improved staff engagement, and better alignment with institutional goals. The study highlights the critical role of academic leadership, structural clarity, and transparent performance monitoring in enhancing academic productivity. It recommends rethinking internal governance frameworks to foster participatory management and accountability within Uganda's private university sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"8 ","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12854204/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for older people with Dementia in Africa: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, Edward Duncan, Monica Maria Diaz, David Otundo Ayuku","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.14092.4","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.14092.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a non-pharmacological intervention developed for dementia that is useful in Africa but has not been studied widely. We reviewed the existing evidence regarding CST among older people living with dementia in Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search on CST among older people with dementia in Africa from 2003-2021 was done in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and PsycINFO. A narrative approach was taken to chart, synthesize and interpret the data using Microsoft Excel.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After removing duplicates using Endnote, a total of 122 studies were retained and screened first by title, then abstract, and finally by full text. Six articles matched the inclusion/exclusion criteria. CST has been adapted and piloted in two African countries (Nigeria and Tanzania). CST studies in Africa indicate improvements in clinical outcomes including cognition and quality of life. Although there are some barriers to overcome, CST may be applicable to an African context.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CST is feasible, adaptable, and acceptable in the African countries it has been implemented in. Some cultural barriers, such as religious affiliation and respect for older people, should be overcome. Further research is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of CST in various African contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"6 ","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12859423/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146108880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"NOMAD: metagenomic characterisation of the viral pathogen composition in outbreaks of non-malaria acute febrile illness cases.","authors":"Benard W Kulohoma, Ibrahim Ng'eno","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.13406.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.13406.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The clinical importance of non-malaria febrile acute illness (NM-AFI) in patients with a negative parasitological test has become apparent, with the progressive reduction in malaria transmission in endemic regions. Bacterial pathogens, for example <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> and <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i>, which contribute disproportionally to febrile illness, are now preventable by vaccines. However, there are no vaccines, and little is known about viral NM-AFI prevalence, proliferation, virulence, and transmission chains between hosts. Although the predominant viral causes of NM-AFI are established, it is unclear if there are other NM-AFI associated emerging infectious viral pathogens that previously remained undetectable by conventional diagnostic strategies, for example severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Presumptive broad-spectrum antibiotic prescriptions to aparasitaemic patients not only drive drug resistance, but also lead to poor treatment outcomes. We hypothesized that insights on NM-AFI etiology, and consequently case management, could be improved by exploiting viral sequence diversity to identify viral pathogens present within metagenomics samples. We exploited simulated and existing infectious disease (Ebola, hepatitis C, chikungunya, and mosquito-borne arboviruses) metagenomic datasets to determine the composition of viral pathogens present, by implementing profile Hidden Markov Models derived from Swiss-Prot viral reference sequences for accurate pathogen detection and classification. Our analysis identified a combination of sequences from multiple viral etiological agents within the same disease sample. This approach provides a granular perspective of multiple viral etiological agents present within a single intra-host disease episode. It highlights prevalent viral strains that can subsequently be routinely detected using directed diagnostic tests to improve disease surveillance in endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"5 ","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12744201/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145859601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hybrid Thermodynamic and Machine Learning Optimization of Plate Heat Exchanger Performance for Brewery Cooling Systems in Uganda.","authors":"Byamanywoha Edgar, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze, Saadelnour Abdueljabbar Adam, Sanusi Yinka, Bubu Pius Erheyovwe","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.16068.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.16068.1","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Efficient thermal management in brewing is critical for product quality, energy efficiency, and sustainability. At Nile Breweries Limited, Mbarara, Uganda, the Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) cooling system has faced persistent challenges in achieving the target wort outlet temperature of 283 K (10 °C) or lower. Understanding and optimizing the thermodynamic and operational performance of this system is essential, particularly in resource-constrained Sub-Saharan production environments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;An integrated optimization framework was developed by combining thermodynamic modeling, empirical diagnostics, and machine learning. Over 50 production batches were monitored using a high-resolution (1 Hz) dataset to assess short-term performance, while a longer dataset of 480 batches was analyzed for fouling trends. Statistical regression, LMTD analysis, and correlation tests were applied to evaluate thermal relationships, and a feedforward Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was trained on seven operational parameters in MATLAB/Simulink to enable predictive control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Only 14.60% of production batches achieved the cooling target (95% CI: 11.2%-18.7%). Regression analysis showed a significant positive association between wort mass flow rate and outlet temperature (slope = 1.24 K/(kg/s), p &lt; 0.001, R &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.42), and a negative correlation with heat exchanger effectiveness (slope = -0.0037 per kg/s, p = 0.012, adjusted R &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.28). LMTD decreased with increasing wort flow (slope = -0.42 K/(kg/s), p = 0.002, R &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.36), revealing a throughput-efficiency trade-off. Water flow rate improvements diminished beyond 12.1 kg/s, showing no significant effect on effectiveness (p = 0.18) or LMTD (p = 0.15). Fouling analysis indicated a gradual decline in mass-corrected effectiveness across 480 batches (slope = -0.00001 per batch, p &lt; 0.001, R &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.22), while wort pH exerted a minor negative effect on effectiveness (r = -0.1645). The ANN demonstrated strong predictive accuracy (R &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.8762, MSE = 0.0578, MAE = 0.0938), with residuals confirming minimal bias. Optimization identified optimal operating ranges of 16-17 kg/s for water flow and &lt;16.5 kg/s for wort flow.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;The study highlights a significant performance shortfall in the brewery's cooling system, driven primarily by throughput-efficiency trade-offs, diminishing thermal returns, and progressive fouling. By integrating classical thermodynamic analysis with machine learning, the research demonstrates a robust and scalable framework for enhancing energy efficiency and adaptive process control in brewing and other energy-intensive industries. This work advances the application of intelligent thermal management strategies in Sub-Saharan industrial contexts, with future research recommended in real-time fouling detection, economic optimization of flow c","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"8 ","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12963833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147380070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Africa's research publishing landscape: examining journals, publishers, and the infrastructure behind them.","authors":"Nora Ndege, Haseeb Md Irfanullah, Jon Harle, Tom Drake","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.16040.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.16040.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Africa's research publishing sector is growing but remains largely fragmented and under-resourced, posing major barriers to the visibility, accessibility, and global integration of African research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This paper presents a continent-wide mapping of Africa's research publishing ecosystem, drawing on five integrated datasets covering 1,169 publishers and 1,790 journals to assess the scale, thematic content, linguistic diversity, and the degree of openness characterising the African publishing landscape.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis reveals that the majority of journals are published by single-journal entities embedded within universities, learned societies, and research institutes. While this decentralised model allows for locally driven publishing and alignment with national research priorities, it is often constrained by limited infrastructure, inconsistent metadata practices, and lack of professional publishing support. Geographically, publishing activity is concentrated in a few countries, most notably Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa - reflecting disparities in research investment and infrastructure across the continent. Disciplinary patterns reveal a strong emphasis on the social sciences and humanities, shaped by post-independence academic development and limited commercial interest in these fields. The predominance of English in journal publishing enhances global visibility but risks marginalising non-Anglophone scholarship. The study also explores the increasing role of commercial publishers in improving visibility and editorial standards, while raising concerns about data control, sustainability, and long-term ownership of African research outputs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The paper concludes by highlighting the urgent need for coordinated, African-led investments in shared infrastructure, multilingual publishing strategies, and national indexing systems. These efforts are essential to enhance research equity, reduce dependency on external platforms, and ensure African knowledge systems are robust, inclusive, and visible in a rapidly evolving global publishing environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"8 ","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12775667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145936730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic empowerment and various preventive strategies play a role in reducing asymptomatic malaria towards the end of the rainy season.","authors":"Chibuike Okpala, Ifeoma Umeh, Linda Onyeka Anagu","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.15809.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.15809.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Asymptomatic malaria is responsible for persistent malaria transmission. The prevalence of malaria in children under 5 years in Anambra State, Nigeria, is declining. The sustained transmission of malaria threatens to reverse this decline, as indicated by the high severe malaria cases during the rainy transmission season. We ascertained the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria using the malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) and the determinants of asymptomatic malaria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the end of the rainy season in November 2024 among 130 consenting apparently healthy adults aged 18 years and above residing in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State using a standardised self-administered questionnaire and a P. falciparum mRDT. The questionnaire sought information on the participants' sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, malaria healthcare-seeking behaviour, use of malaria prevention measures, environmental conditions, and perceptions of malaria risk. A finger-prick was used for the mRDT kit. Data were analysed using Stata 17/BE. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with asymptomatic malaria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 130 participants, 26.15% (34/130) were confirmed to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum. There was an overreliance on personal feelings for malaria diagnosis. Covering water containers around a house could be an effective protective measure against asymptomatic malaria. The odds (odds ratio (OR): 0.29/0.27, 95% (CI): 0.07/0.06 - 1.24) of having asymptomatic malaria were lower in those who agreed that 'the cost of malaria prevention tools, such as Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), insecticides and mosquito repellents, is reasonable' compared to those who did not.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among semi-immune adult participants residing in the Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) was 26.15%. Having the financial means to access resources for malaria prevention can lead to healthier behaviours and actions that reduce malaria transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"8 ","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12375191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immunomodulatory effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and the use of natural products to ameliorate its immunotoxic effects: A review.","authors":"Gilbert Kipkoech, Mercy Jepkorir, Sally Kamau, Alice Wanyoko, Susan Kibunja, Rechard Amozi Jeremiah, Johnson Masese, Vincent Ntui-Njock, Charles Mutai, Peter Mwitari","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.14406.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/openresafrica.14406.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aflatoxin B ₁ (AFB ₁), a potent mycotoxin, is known to be an immunotoxic agent that causes various immune system disorders. It can cause immunosuppression by direct toxic effect on the host or by its ability to interfere with the immune response and thereby lead to secondary infections. The immunomodulatory effects of AFB ₁ and its metabolites have been reported in many studies. Yet, the exact mechanisms responsible for these immunomodulatory effects are still obscure. This review summarizes the current findings on the interaction between AFB ₁ and the host immune system, while also highlighting other potential mechanisms involved in AFB ₁-induced immunosuppression. These potential mechanisms include modulation of cytokine production, production of inflammatory mediators and their receptors, activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, alteration in cell surface receptors involved in T cell activation and regulation of apoptosis. The review also discusses the findings on natural products that have been found capable of inhibiting AFB ₁-induced immunosuppression in various animal models. With the latest exploration of natural products as a solution, the burden of aflatoxicosis in society is likely to subdue. Some of the promising natural products that have been highlighted to have ameliorative effects include grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), bentonite clay, smectites clay and <i>Spirulina plantesis</i> among others. Considering the seriousness of aflatoxicosis in the public domain and lack of effective management approaches, there is an urgent need for more research to understand AFB ₁-induced immunotoxicity and possible remedies.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"6 ","pages":"22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11885904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143588425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of botanical powders and the assassin bug, <i>Alloeocranum biannulipes</i> Mont. and Sign. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against <i>Dinoderus porcellus</i> Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) infesting yam chips.","authors":"Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko, Joelle Toffa, Innocent Djegbe, Armand Vodounnon, Antonio Sinzogan, Kitherian Sahayaraj, Manuele Tamo","doi":"10.12688/openresafrica.15173.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/openresafrica.15173.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Dinoderus porcellus</i> Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is the main pest of stored dried yam chips that causes significant losses in less than 3 months. The assassin bug, <i>Alloeocranum biannulipes</i> (Montrouzier & Signoret) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the African mahogany ( <i>Khaya senegalensis</i> (Desv.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae)), the ackee ( <i>Blighia sapida</i> K. Koenig (Sapindaceae)), and bridelia ( <i>Bridelia ferruginea</i> Benth. (Euphorbiaceae)) leaf powders have proven to be efficient in the control of this pest.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the compatibility of the leaf powders of these medicinal plants and the predator <i>A. biannulipes</i> in the integrated management of <i>D. porcellus</i> under laboratory and farm conditions. Various leaf powders were tested at a concentration of 6% (w/w) with or without the predator. Infested yam chips without any treatment served as negative control and those mixed with a synthetic insecticide as positive control. The mortality rate of <i>D. porcellus</i> was recorded under laboratory conditions. While, the dynamic population of <i>D. porcellus</i>, their damage, and weight loss of yam chips were recorded 8 weeks after treatment under farm conditions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that no combination of leaf powders and predators could induce complete mortality of <i>D. porcellus</i> like the synthetic insecticide. No significant difference in terms of the survival of <i>A. biannulipes</i> exposed to botanical powders was observed compared to the positive control. Under farm conditions, <i>B. ferruginea</i> leaf powder showed a sub-lethal effect on the predator <i>A. biannulipes</i> and no impact on the abundance of <i>D. porcellus</i>. However, the survival of <i>D. porcellus</i> was significantly reduced by the combination of <i>K. senegalensis</i> leaf powder and <i>A. biannulipes,</i> which did not allow the reproduction of the predator.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our results suggest that an augmentative biological control program with the release of <i>A. biannulipes</i> after the introduction of <i>K. senegalensis</i> leaf powder is practicable for the management of <i>D. porcellus</i> in yam chips.</p>","PeriodicalId":74358,"journal":{"name":"Open research Africa","volume":"7 ","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143069757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}